The Family Justice Initiative (FJI) sets forth a model that draws upon data-informed strategies to assist the resolution of family matters. Through screening and assessment tools, and triage case management, judges and court staff can better identify cases that require substantial court-based or community services, and cases requiring minimal court resources and little or no exercise of judicial discretion.

During its February 2019 midyear meeting, the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) endorsed the FJI Principles, and encouraged courts across the nation to consider them as a worthy guide to improve the delivery of justice in domestic relations cases.

With SJI support, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) and partners contributed to the creation of  protocols and templates that can be adapted for use in any jurisdiction seeking to apply a triage and/or pathways approach.  The FJI: Protocol Development and Appendices is a resource to aid courts using a practical, six-step process, which assures standardization during triage and flexibility in case management.

Contact NCSC Principal Court Management Consultant Alicia Davis at adavis@ncsc.org  if you have questions about the FJI protocols, need additional information, or more extensive on-site technical assistance.